Phase 2 Changes to New Zealand's Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) Effective March 10, 2025

Key Changes at a Glance

• No Median Wage Requirement: Employers must pay at least the minimum wage (NZD $23.50/hr from April 1, 2025).

• Reduced Work Experience Requirement: Lowered from 3 years to 2 years.

• Extended Visa Durations: Low-skilled job visas now valid for 3 years.

• Higher Income Threshold for Family Sponsorship: Increased to NZD $55,844 annually.

• Expanded Job Opportunities: Several occupations reclassified to higher skill levels.

• Interim Visa Work Rights: Applicants awaiting AEWV decisions can continue working.

Detailed Changes and Their Impact

1. Removal of Median Wage Requirement

• From March 10, 2025, the median wage requirement will no longer apply to AEWV and Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) holders.

• Employers must pay at least the New Zealand minimum wage, which rises to NZD $23.50 per hour on April 1, 2025.

• Migrant workers must still receive a salary comparable to their New Zealand counterparts (market rate).

• Sector Agreements that previously waived the median wage requirement will be removed, but those offering residence pathways will remain unchanged.

• Impact: Employers have greater flexibility, and jobs covered by previous sector agreements will no longer have caps or wage thresholds beyond the minimum wage.

2. Reduction in Work Experience Requirement

• From March 10, 2025, AEWV applicants will only need 2 years of relevant work experience instead of 3.

• Employers must verify applicants meet this threshold, with supporting documentation required.

• Impact: Skilled workers can qualify more quickly, allowing faster workforce entry and reducing exploitation risks.

3. Simplified Ministry of Social Development (MSD) Engagement

• Employers hiring for ANZSCO skill level 4 and 5 roles will only need to declare they have advertised the position with MSD and interviewed suitable candidates.

• Employers must keep evidence of their engagement for recruitment checks.

• Impact: Streamlined hiring process while maintaining fair employment practices.

4. Extended Visa Duration for Low-Skilled Workers

• AEWV holders in ANZSCO Level 4 and 5 roles will be eligible for a 3-year visa.

• Impact: Greater job security and stability for low-skilled migrant workers.

5. Increased Income Threshold for Supporting Dependent Children

• From March 10, 2025, the income requirement for supporting dependent children rises to NZD $55,844 annually (80% of the median wage).

• The previous threshold applies to children holding or applying for a visa before this date.

• Impact: Migrants must meet higher financial criteria to sponsor dependent children.

6. Recognition of Higher ANZSCO Skill Levels

• Some occupations will be upgraded to ANZSCO Skill Level 3 under the National Occupation List (NOL), making visa pathways easier.

Reclassified Occupations:

• Pet Groomer (361113)

• Cook (351411)

• Kennel Hand (361115)

• Scaffolder (821712)

• Fitness Instructor (452111)

• Slaughterer (831212)

• Nanny (421113)

Additionally, these roles will qualify as Skill Level 3 if requiring either 3 years of experience or a Level 4 qualification:

• Excavator Operator (721214)

• Agricultural & Horticultural Mobile Plant Operator (721111)

• Forklift Driver (721311)

• Mobile Plant Operators (not elsewhere classified) (721999)

• Impact: Skilled workers in these roles gain access to better visa pathways.

7. Interim Visa Work Rights Updates (Effective April 2025)

• Interim visa holders transitioning from work or student visas that allowed employment will be permitted to work.

• Time on an interim visa will count towards continuous stay and work-to-residence eligibility.

• Impact: Ensures job continuity during visa processing.

8. Median Wage Changes (Effective February 28, 2025)

• Wage threshold for supporting a partner rises to NZD $26.85 per hour.

• Income threshold for Parent Category sponsors increases to NZD $33.56 per hour.

• Impact: Higher financial requirements for migrants supporting family members.

What About Existing AEWV Holders?

• If you already have an AEWV, these changes will not affect you. Your current visa conditions, including salary and work rights, remain unchanged.

• New applicants from March 10, 2025, will benefit from the updated rules, including eased requirements and longer visa durations.

Why This Matters

Understanding these changes is crucial for:

• Faster job market entry for skilled workers.

• Better job security and longer visa durations.

• Simplified employer recruitment processes.

• Increased financial requirements for sponsoring dependents.

Employers and applicants should prepare in advance to ensure smooth transitions and compliance with the new AEWV regulations. If you have questions or need assistance navigating these changes, consult an immigration expert.